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up to US$4 extra . . . just to add ice to their drinks.
Manhattan bar and restaurant The Darby has been adding the surchage which drinkers have labelled an “outrageous rip-off”.
The scandal emerged after a customer noticed a US$2 premium added to the already hefty price tag of US$13 for a Grey Goose vodka.
The receipt, with the charge “Rocks: US$2” was then published on the food blog Eater, which called the tab an outrageous rip-off.
However The Darby has dismissed claims the charges are unreasonable and say the add-on is simply business as usual. Patrick Robertson, the Darby’s general manager, told the New York Daily News: “Drinks with ice get a bigger pour.
“We charge more because we use more alcohol for a drink served with ice. We’re not charging for the ice.”
Mr Robertson admitted the price goes up even more steeply for more expensive drinks such as Johnny Walker Gold Label whisky.
He added: “For that we add a US$4 upcharge. Again, it’s more alcohol.
“Many bars do this. Perhaps their computer systems don’t register it on the bar tab.”
But it’s not just drinkers who feel the charge is outrageous, workers at other New York bars say it is quite unfair.
Audrey Saunders, who works at the city’s Pegu Club, was simply appalled at the idea of charging for ice.
She told the Daily News: “Shame on any other bar that actually subscribes to such a practice.
“Not only would we never do such a thing, but no reputable bar ever would either.” – Daily Mail.
Online Reporter